Depression in College Students: Justin’s Story of Survival and Recovery

Starting college can be exciting, but for many students, it can also be overwhelming and isolating. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Justin shares his raw and honest story about battling severe depression during his college years — from isolation in the dorms and academic struggles to a moment of crisis that nearly cost him his life.

Justin describes how depression stripped away friendships, time, and self-worth, but also how opening up to his family and seeking professional help put him on a path toward healing. His journey highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of depression in students, breaking stigma, and reminding those struggling that recovery is possible.

This episode is for anyone navigating college depression themselves, parents worried about their kids, or friends who want to better understand how to support loved ones during this critical life stage.

Link to article on college depression: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/college-depression/art-20048327

Link to Justin's book: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Has-No-Stars-Depression/dp/150272748X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511816933&sr=1-1&keywords=justin+mercer

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “college depression” means and why it’s so common
• Justin’s personal story of depression beginning in adolescence and peaking in college
• The impact of isolation, academic pressure, and negative self-talk
• How depression nearly took Justin’s life — and what stopped him
• The role of family support, therapy, and medication in recovery
• Moving from breakdown to breakthrough and building resilience
• Why sharing stories matters: connection, empathy, and reducing stigma

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 00:27 – What “college depression” is and why it matters
 02:08 – Justin traces his depression back to age 12
 03:01 – How isolation in college worsened his mental health
 03:47 – Emotional and physical isolation in the dorms
 05:13 – Reaching rock bottom: the night of his suicide attempt
 06:32 – Opening up to his parents and the turning point
 07:35 – Starting treatment and the trial-and-error of medication
 08:38 – Learning to shift from “breakdown” to “breakthrough”
 08:57 – Justin’s reflections at 23: resilience and perseverance
 09:57 – The importance of connection and rediscovering hope
 11:14 – Tools for remembering depression will pass
 11:59 – Justin’s book Hell Has No Stars and additional resources

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